Anti-allergic pharmaceutical compositions

ABSTRACT

Compositions containing 2-nitroindane-1,3-dione derivatives as active agents are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma, hay fever and also in the treatment of rhinitis.

United States Patent Buckle et al.

[ Dec. 9, 1975 ANTI-ALLERGIC PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS Inventors: Derek Richard Buckle, Redhill;

Harry Smith, Maplehurst near Horsham, both of England Assignee: Beeeham Group Limited, United Kingdom Filed: Dec. 3, 1973 Appl. No.: 421,239

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 317,296, Dec. 21, 1972.

Foreign Application Priority Data June 20, 1972 United Kingdom 28707/72 Oct. 18, 1972 United Kingdom 48027/72 Mar. 22, 1972 United Kingdom 13300/72 Jan. 25, 1972 United Kingdom 3348/72 US. Cl. 424/331; 260/590; 424/263;

[51] Int. Cl. ..A61K 31/04; A61 K 31/12;

A61K 31/44: A61K 31/135 [58] Field of Search 424/331; 260/590 [56] References Cited Primary Examiner-Stanley J. Friedman [57] ABSTRACT Compositions containing 2-nitroindane-1,3-dione derivatives as active agents are useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma, hay fever and also in the treatment of rhinitis.

24 Claims, No Drawings ANTI-ALLERGIC PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS This is a division of application Ser. No. 317,296 filed Dec. 2l, 1972.

This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions which are useful in the inhibition of the effects of certain types of antigen-antibody reactions, and are therefore useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with allergic or immunological reactions, e.g. certain types of asthma and hay-fever, and also in the treatment of rhinitis.

We have discovered that certain derivatives of 2- nitroindane-lfidione have useful activity in warmblooded mammals in that they inhibit the effects of certain types of antigen-antibody reactions. In particular, they appear to inhibit the release of mediator substances, such as histamine, which are normally released after anitgen-antibody combinations and which normally mediate the allergic response. The class of 2- nitroindane-l ,3-dione derivatives which we have found to be active in this way has formula (I):

and the salts of compounds (I) are also active. In formula (I), R R R and R are each hydrogen or alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclic or halogen groups, or any two adjacent groups R, and R R and R or R and R taken together represent the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system. However, a search of the chemical literature has revealed that not all of the members of class (I) are novel compounds. Below we list those compounds of formula (I) which are mentioned in the literature, together with the appropriate literature reference:

Chem.Abs. I961, 55, 476g Chem.Abs. I968, 68, 87034q Chem.Abs. I969, 70, ll379b Chem.Abs. 1969, 70, 37507s Chem.Abs. l972, l32349s Latv. PSR Zinat Akad, Vestis (Khim Ser) 1971, 425-30 In the above list, no reference has been given for the first compound, i.e. 2-nitroindane-l,3-dione itself which is, of course, a common laboratory reagent.

Although the above compounds are reported in the literature, no form of useful biological activity has been ascribed to them. Likewise there has been in the literature no suggestion that such compounds are likely to possess any form of useful biological activity, and in particular the discovery that they have anti-allergic ac tivity has not been predicted in any way.

Accordingly, the present invention provides in its broadest aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

R1 0 R2 l N92 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, in which formula R R R and R represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclic or halogen groups, and any two adjacent groups R and R R and R or R and R may be joined in a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system, this definition of R,, R R and R being subject to the proviso that R R R and R are not simultaneously hydrogen.

It will be noted that the above definition of the compositions of this invention specifically excludes compositions 2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione itself. This exclusion is necessary since such compositions are claimed in a different pending patent application commonly assigned.

The compositions of this invention may be presented as a microfine powder for insufflation, e.g. as a snuff or in capsules of hard gelatine. They may also be presented together with a sterile liquid carrier for injection. Some of the compounds of formula (I) appear to be active when given by the oral route and thus the compositions of this invention may be in the form of tablets, capsules, pills or syrups. Preferably the compositions of this invention are presented in unit dosage form, min a form in which the patient can administer to himself a single dosage. If desired, a small amount of bronchodilator compound may be incorporated in the compositions of the invention, both to inhibit the cough response if the composition is insufflated and to provide immediate relief during an asthmatic attack. The effective dose of compound (I) depends on the particular compound employed, but is generally in the range of from 0.1 mg/kg/day to I00 mg/kg/day.

The precise nature of the pharmaceutical carrier used in the composition of this invention is not important. Standard pharmaceutical practice may be followed, but it is perhaps worth noting that if the composition is to be administered by insufflation, a microfine powder where substantially all the particles have diameters of less than 50 microns is preferred.

The present invention also provides, in another of its aspects compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof:

wherein R R R and R are each hydrogen or alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclic or halogen groups, or any two adjacent groups, R and R R and R R and R may be joined in a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system, with the exception of the following compounds and salts thereof:

2-nitroindanel ,3dione 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione 5-methoxy-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione 4-chloro-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione 5-chloro-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione 5-bromo-2-nitroindane- 1 ,3-dione 4-methyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione 5-iodo-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione Hereafter in this specification when the phrase the compounds of this invention is used, it is to be understood that we mean compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof excluding the eight compounds specifically listed above, and their salts.

Examples of groups R,, R R and R which may be present in the compounds of this invention include methyl, ethyl, nand isopropyl, n-, secand tertbutyl; methoxy, ethoxy, nand isopropoxy, n-, secand tertbutoxy, phenyl, benzyl, pyridyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo groups. In addition R and R or R and R and R taken together may represent the residue of a 1,2- phenylene or 1,2-cyclohexylene ring, which may carry one or more of the substituents listed above.

Compounds of the present invention which are especially preferred for their high activity include the following compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts:

5 ,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione;

2-nitrobenz[f]indane-l ,3-dione;

4-methoxy-6-ethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione; 4-n-butoxy-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione; 4,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione; 5-methyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione; 4-fluoro-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione;

In the preceeding paragraphs, we have referred to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I). Such salts include the alkali metal salts e.g. sodium or potassium, and salts with organic bases such as amines or amino compounds. These compounds may, on occasions, be capable of existing in an anhydrous form or one or more hydrates. The invention includes all of these forms.

The compounds of this invention may be prepared by a process which comprises nitrating the parent indane- 1,3-dione of formula (III):

(III) wherein R R R and R are as hereinbefore defined. The nitration step may be carried out at various temperatures although usually below 25C. In general a temperature range of from -20C to +20C will be suitable, with +lOC being preferred.

The starting materials of formula (III) above may be prepared by known methods, the choice of method being dependent on the nature of the substituents present. With a single relatively chemically inert substituent such as a methyl, methoxy, or phenyl radical, the method of choice is the Claisen condensation wherein a compound of formula (IV):

wherein R is the inert substituent and X is an alkyl .group is reacted with ethyl acetate.

With alkyl or alkoxy substituents in both the 3- and 6- position of (IV) the Claisen condensation may sometimes afford only low yields of the required diones and the same is true for the 4,5-methylenedioxy analogue. In such cases the preferred method involves the reaction of a compound formula (V), formed from the appropriate anhydride and acetic anhydride CH.CO H

wherein both R and R are 4- or 7- alkyl or alkoxy groups or R R is a 5,6-methylenedioxy group with a strong base such as sodium methoxide.

Neither of the above procedures is advisable in the presence of halogen functions, and here the Knoevenagel reaction is best suited. This involves the reaction of an active methylene compound with a compound of formula (VI):

2 (VI) Q wherein R,, R R and R, are the same or different and each is hydrogen or a halogen group. The use of ethyl 5 acetoacetate as the active methylene compound is most convenient (and economical) but has led to difficulties with both the 4-bromo and tetrachloro compounds, in which the carbethoxy intermediates are isolated ((VII) and (V111) respectively) EXAMPLE 1 a. 4-Methyl indane-l,3-dione To, a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (8.2 g; 0.17 mole of NaH) was added a solution of diethyl 3-methyl phthalate (28 g; 0.1 19 mole) in ethyl acetate (40 ml) and the mixture refluxed with occasional swirling or a stream bath for 4 hr. After cooling, the bright yellow sodium salt was filtered and washed with a little cold ethyl acetate. To the dried sodium salt (ca 27.2 g) was added rapidly a hot (80C) solution of hydrochloric acid (48 ml) in water (480 ml) and the product kept at 70C until decarboxylation ceases (7 mins), cooled to 5C, and the pale yellow solid filtered and washed with water. Recrystallisation from benzene afforded a pale yellow crystalline solid, m.p. 125-8C. (Found; C, 75.38; H, 5.04; C H O requires; C, 74.99; H, 5.03%).

b. 4-Methyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione To a stirred suspension of 4-methyl-1,3-indane-dione (1.02 g; 0.006 mole) in anhydrous ether (5 ml) at ca 10C was added dropwise and with stirring fuming nitric acid (2.0 ml). After 10 mins. a clear, dark solution formed followed by precipitation of a bright yellow solid. The mass was filtered and washed with 5N hydrochloric acid. Recrystallisation from water/hydrochloric acid afforded the title compound, m.p. 108-9C. (Found; c, 56.16; H, 3.74; N, 6.32; C, H NO.,.l/2H O requires; C, 56.07; H, 3.76; N, 6.54%).

EXAMPLE 2 a. 5-Methyl indane-1,3-dione This was prepared as in Example 1(a) from diethyI 4-methyl phthalate, m.p. (benzene). 1l4-l16C (Found; C, 75.04; H, 5.19; c n 'o requires; C, 74.99; H, 5.03%).

b. 5-Methyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione Nitration of S-methyl indane-1,3-dione as in Example 1(b) yielded the nitro -product, m.p. (water/hydro chloric acid) l15-117C. (Found; C, 58.43; H, 3.39; N, 6.86; C H NO requires; C, 58.54; H, 3.44; N, 6.83%).

EXAMPLE 3 a. 4-Methoxy indane-1,3-dione Dimethy1-3-methoxy phthalate (13.8 g; 0.062 mole} in ethyl acetate (20 ml) was added to a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (4.1 g; 0.085 mole oi b. 4-Methoxy-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione Nitration of 4-methoxy indane-1,3-dione as in Exam.- ple 1(b) afforded the title compound,,m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 132-4C. (Found; C, 54.39; H, 3.22; N, 6.42; C H NO requires; C, 54.31; H, 3.19; N, 6.33%).

EXAMPLE 4 a. 4-Ethoxy indane-1,3-dione Dimethyl 3-ethoxy phthalate (m.p. 58C) was converted into 4-ethoxy indane-1,3-dione according to Example 1(a), m.p. (benzene) 111C. (Found; C; 69.48 H, 5.34; C H O requires; C, 69.46; H, 5.30%).

b. 4-Ethoxy-2-nitro indane-l,3-dione Direct nitration of 4-ethoxy indane-l,3-dione'witl fuming nitric acid as in Example 1(b) gave the 2-nitrr derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) -96C (Found; C, 48.83; H, 4.81; N, 4.97; C ,,H NO 2H O requires; C, 48.71; H, 4.83; N, 5.17%).

EXAMPLE 5 a. Benz[f] indane-1,3-dione This was prepared by an analagous procedure to tha described in Example 1(a), m.p. 136C (d) from ben zene. (Found; C, 73.80; H, 4.15; C, H,,O .H O re quires; C, 72.89; H, 4.71%).

b. Z-Nitro benz[f] indane-1,3-dione Nitration of benz[f] indane-1,3-dione with fumin; nitric acid in ether at 10C afforded the title com pound, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 1634C (Found; C, 64.89; H, 3.06; N, 5.03; C H NO re quires; C, 64.74; H, 2.93; N, 5.81%).

EXAMPLE 6 a. 3-Methoxy-6-methyl phthalalyl acetic acid 3-Methoxy-6-methyl phthalic anhydride (21.29 g; 0.1 1 mole) was treated with freshlyfused potassium acetate (16.7 g) and acetic anhydride (35 ml). The resulting mixture was heated for 1 hr. at 100C and then for a further 4 hrs. at 150-5C. After cooling water (100 ml) was added and the dark precipitate filtered and washed well with cold water and methanol until the filtrate was almost colourless; the solid was extracted with 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (500 ml) and the filtered extract acidified. A pale yellow precipitate of the phthalalylacetic acid separated in quantitative yield, m.p. (dioxan) 2602C (d). (Found; C, 61.13; H, 4.40; C H O requires; C, 61.54; H, 4.30%).

b. 4-Methoxy-7-methyl indane-1,3-dione Sodium methoxide [from sodium (10.8 g)] in methanol (100 ml) was added with vigorous shaking to a solution of 3-methoxy-6-methyl phthalalyl acetic acid (10.8 g; 0.046 mole) in methanol (250 ml) and the mixture stood at ambient temperature for 2 hrs. The resulting orange gel was heated for 5 hrs. at 100C, cooled and then filtered. On addition of hot (80C) 5N hydrochloric acid (160 ml) spontaneous decarboxylation ensued and an orange-yellow solid formed. Filtration and recrystallisation (benzene) afforded the indanedione, m.p. 172C as a buff solid. (Found; C, 69.50; H, 5.34; C H O requires; C, 69.46; H, 5.30%).

c. 4-Methoxy-7-methyl-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione Treatment of 4-methoxy-7-methyl indane-1,3-dione with fuming nitric acid as in Example 1(b) gave the 2- nitro derivative as a yellow solid, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 143146C. (Found: C, 56.61; N, 3.93; N, 5.80; C I-[ N requires; C, 56.18; H, 3.86; N, 5.96%).

EXAMPLE 7 a. 5-Bromo indane-1,3-dione A solution of 4-bromo phthalic anhydride (4.15 g; 0.018 mole) in acetic anhydride (10 g) containing triethylamine (4 g) was treated at room temperature with ethyl acetoacetate (2.38 g; 0.02 mole). After 24 hrs. with stirring, crushed ice g) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 ml) were added and the precipitated red solid filtered. Addition of a hot (7080C) solution of hydrochloric acid (150 ml) in water (750 ml) to this solid resulted in decarboxylation and generation of S-bromo indane-1,3-dione as red plates, m.p. (acetone) 1523C. (Found; C, 48.04; H, 2.17; Br, 35.63; C H Br 0 requires; C, 48.05; H, 2.24; Br, 35.52%).

b. 5-Bromo-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione Nitration as described in Example 1(b) converted 5- bromo indane-1,3-dione to its 2-nitro derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 127-9C. (Found; C, 40.03; H, 1.55; N, 5.11, Br, 29.32; C H Br NO requires; C, 40.01, H, 1.49; N, 5.18; Br, 29.58%).

EXAMPLE 8 a. 4-Bromo indane-1,3-dione A modification of the procedure used in Example 7(a) in which ethyl acetoacetate was replaced by tbutyl acetoacetate afforded 4-bromo indane-1,3-dione from the anhydride, decomposes above C.

b. 4-Bromo-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione This was prepared as for the 5-bromo isomer m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 127-8C. (Found; C, 40.16; H, 1.60; N, 5.36; Br, 28.65; C H Br NO, requirements; C, 40.01; H, 1.49; N, 5.18; Br, 29.58%).

EXAMPLE 9 a. 4-Fluor0 indane-1,3-dione Using the procedure outlined in Example 8(a) gave 4-fluoro indane-1,3-dione m.p. (benzene) 117118C from 4-fluoro phthalic anhydride. (Found; C, 65.87; H, 3.15; C H FO requires; C, 65.86; H, 3.07%).

b. 4-Fluoro-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione The title compound was formed by nitration of 4- fluoro indane-1,3-dione at 10C, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 124C. (Found; C, 47.75; H, 2.68; N, 6.19; C H F NO .H O requires; C, 47.59; H, 2.66; N, 6.17%).

EXAMPLE 10 a. 4,5,6,7-Tetrachloro indane-1,3-dione Tetrachloro phthalic anhydride was converted to the indane dione by the method described in Example 8(a), decomposes on heating. (Found; C, 39.01; H, 0.75; Cl, 50.15; C H Cl O requires: C, 38.07; H, 0.71; C], 49.60%).

b. 2-Nitro-4,5,6,7-tetrachl0ro indane-1,3-dione Nitration of 4,5,6,7-Tetrachloro indane-1,3-dione at 10C afforded the 2-nitro derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 184-5C. (Found; C, 27.89; H, 1.40; N, 3.41; C H Cl NO .3H O requires; C, 28.22; H, 1.84; N, 3.66%).

EXAMPLE 11 a. Dimethyl 3,6-dihydro-4,5-dimethyl phthalate 2,3-dimethyl butadiene (30 g; 0.366 mole) and dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate 47.69 0.366 mole) were heated to C in an autoclave and maintained at the temperature for 4 hrs. After cooling ether was added and the solution filtered. Evaporation of the filtrate afforded the title compound which was recrystallised from methanol; light petroleum (40-60), m.p. 7l-72C (Found; C, 64.41; H, 7.16; C H O requires; C, 64.27; H, 7.19%).

b. Dimethyl 4,5-dimethyl phthalate mole of NaH) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hrs. on a steam bath. After cooling the yellow solid was filtered and washed with a little cold ethyl acetate. Treatment with a hot(80C) solution of concentrated hydrochloric acid (20 ml.) in water (200 ml.) for 7 mins. gave the title compound. m.p. (benzene) 159C. (Found: C, 75.77; H, 5.79; C H O requires: C, 75.84; H, 5.79%).

5,6 Dimethyl 2-nitro-indane-1 ,3-dione 5,6-dimethyl indane-1,3-dione' (0.52 g; 0.003 mole) suspended in anhydrous ether ml.) was stirred at C during the dropwise addition of fuming nitric acid (1.0 ml.). After the addition was complete the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hr. and the precipitated yellow solid filtered. m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 111-113C. (Found: C, 60.11; H, 4.10; N, 6.14;

CQ H NQ, re quiresz-C, 60.28; H, 4.14; N, 6.39%).

EXAMPLE 12 a. 4-Isopropyloxy indane-1,3-dione Dimethyl 3-isopropyloxy phthalate (41.93 g; 0.166 mole) in ethyl acetate (55 ml) was cautiously added to a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (1 1.0 g; 0.228 mole of NaH) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hours on a'steam bath. A yellow solid separated which, after cooling, was filtered and washed with a little ethyl acetate. Addition of this solid to 1N hydrochloric acid at 80C caused immediate decarboxylation which was complete within 10.15 mins.

After cooling and filtration, recrystallisation (benzehe, petroleum (4060) afforded'the title product, m.p. 69-70C (Found: C, 70.88; H, 5.93; C H O requires: C, 70.58; H, 5.92%).

fb. 4-lsop"ropyloxy-Z-nitro-indane-1,3dione "EXAMPLE 13 a. 4,6 Dimethyl indane-1,3-dione Dimethyl 3,5-dimethyl phthalate (15.1 g; 0.068 mole) in ethyl acetate (22 ml.) was treated with a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (4.80 g; 0.10 mole of NaH) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hrs.

at 100C. After filtration the resulting yellow sodium,

salt was treated for 7 mins. at 70-80C. with'hydrochloric acid ('1 1.0 ml.) in water (1 10 ml.) and the dione product filtered and recrystallised. m.p. (benzene) 137-138C. (Found: C, 75.73; H, 5.67; C H O requires: C, 75.84; H, 5.79%).

b. 4,6-Dimethyl-2-nitro-ind ane-l ,3-dione 4,6 -Dimethyl indane-1,3-dione (0.52 g; 0.003 mole) suspended in anhydrousether (5 ml.) was nitrated to the title'product as described in Example 12 m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 111-112C, (Found: C, 60.12, H, 4.16; N, 6.14; C H NO requires: C, 60.28; H, 4.14;:N, 6.39%).

EXAMPLE 14 a. Benz'(e) indane-1,3-dio ne To a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (4.55 g) was added to a solution of diethyl-naphthalene 10 1,2-dicarboxylate (18.5 g) in ethyl acetate (22 ml.) and the mixture refluxed for 3.5 hrs. on a steam bath. After cooling the 'precipitated orange solid was filtered and decarboxylatedv with hydrochloric acid (35 ml.) in water (350 ml) at 70C over 7 mins. to yield benze(e) indane-l,3-dione, m.p.- (benzene) 178C (decomp.) (Found: C, 7921; H, 4.22; C H O requires: C, 79.58; H, 4.11%).

b. 2-Nitro benz(e)indane-1, 3-dione Nitration of benz(e) indane-1,3-dione as described in Example 12 afforded the 2-nitro derivative as an orange crystalline solid, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 134.5-135.5C. (Found: C, 64.76; H, 2.91; N, 5.59; C H NO requires: C, 64.74; H, 2.93; N, 5.81%).

I 1 EXAMPLE 15 r a. 3,6-Dimethyl phthalalyl acetic acid 3,6-Dimethy1 phthalic anhydride (m.p. l445C; 15.3 g; 0.087 mole) was treated with freshly fused potassium acetate (13.3 g) and acetate anhydride (27 ml) and heated at 100C for 1 hr. The mixture was then heated to l50155C at which. temperature it was maintained for 4 hours., After cooling, water (80 ml) was added'and the brown solid filtered off and washed 1 well with water and cold methanol, After extraction of the residue with 5% sodium bicarbonate followed by acidification of the extract, the title compound was isolated as a yellow solid, m.p. (dioxan) 264-5C (Found: C, 66.04; H, 4.69; C H O requires: C, 66.05; H, 4.62%).

b. 4,7-Dimethy1 indane-l,3-dione Sodium methoxide (from sodium 8.05 g in methanol ml)) was added-with vigorous stirring to a solution of 3,6-dimethyl phthalalyl acetic acid (7.5 g) in methanol (200 m1) and the gel allowed to stand for 2 hrs. The red suspension was then refluxed for 5 hours on a steam bath, cooled and filtered. Addition of the solid to hot (80C.) 5N hydrochloric acid ml) caused immediate decarboxylation and generation of the dione. After cooling the indane dione was filtered, dried, recrystallised, m.p. (benzene) 187188C (Found: C, 75.48; H, 5.88; C H O requires: C, 75.84; H, 5.79%).

c. 4,7-Dimethyl 2-nitro-indane-1,3-dione 4,7-Dimethyl indane-1,3-dione 0.52 g; 0.003 mole) in dry ether (5 ml) was nitrated with fuming nitric acid (1.0 ml) as described in Example 12 to give 4,7-

tion of this at 220-225C in the presence of 10% palladinised charcoalover 3 hours then afforded, after spinning bend separation, the title compound as a colourless oil bp mm 126C; (Found: 64.46; H, 6.46;

, C H O requires: C, 64.85; H, 6.35%).

b. 4-Ethyl indane-1,3-dione A solution of dimethyl 3-ethyl phthalate (7.38 g; 0.033 mole) in ethyl acetate (10 ml) was added to a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (232 g) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hours on a steam bath. After cooling the yellow sodium salt was filtered, washed well with dry ether and dried. Treatment with a hot (80C) solution of hydrochloric acid (10 ml) in water (100 ml) over 10 mins. then gave the requisite dione; m.p. (benzene) 148C; (Found: C, 76.65; H, 5.45; C H O requires: C, 75.85; H, 5.80%).

c. 4-Ethyl-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione A suspension of 4-ethyl indane-1,3-dione (0.52 g; 0.003 mole) in dry ether ml) was treated dropwise at C with fuming nitric acid (1.0 ml) and the precipitated product filtered after 40 mins. at room temperature; m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 98lO0C; (Found; C, 59.98; H, 4.18; N, 6.34; C H NO requires: C, 60.28; H, 4.14; N, 6.39%).

EXAMPLE 17 a. 4-Methoxy-6-methyl indane-1,3-dione Dimethyl 3-methoxy-5-methyl phthalate (14.8 g: 0.062 mole) in ethyl acetate ml) was added to a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (4.1 g; 0.085 mole) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hours at 100C. Addition of ether, ethyl acetate to the residual cooled oil afforded a yellow solid which was filtered. Treatment of this solid with 5N hydrochloric acid (30 ml) at 70C during 7 mins. afforded the title product m.p. (benzene) l723C (Found: C, 69.45; H, 5.43; C H O requires; C, 69.46; H, 5.30%).

b. 4-Methoxy-6-methyl-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione A suspension of 4-methoxy-6methyl indane-1,3- dione in dry ether was nitrated as in Example 16(c) to yield the 2-nitro derivative; m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 15657C. (Found: C, 56.00; H, 3.86; N, 5.90; C H NO requires; C, 56.16; H, 3.86; N, 5.96%).

EXAMPLE 18 a. 6-Ethyl-4-methoxy indane-1,3-dione Claisen condensation of dimethyl 5-ethyl-3-methoxy phthalate (m.p. 89C) as given in Example 16 (b) afforded the title product m.p. (benzene, petroleum [4060C]) l121l3C. (Found: C, 70.60; H, 5.97; C H O requires; C, 70.57; H, 5.92%).

b. 6-Ethyl-4-methoxy-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione Nitration of a suspension of 6-ethy1-4-methoxy indane-1,3-dione in dry ether as described in Example 16(0) gave the 2-nitro derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 116C; (Found: C, 57.85; H, 4.47; N, 5.77; c,,H,,No, requires: C, 57.83; H 4.45; N, 5.62%).

EXAMPLE 19 a. S-Phenyl indane-1,3-dione A solution of dimethyl 4-phenyl phthalate (bp 0.1 17080C) in ethyl acetate was cyclised to the indane dione as described in Example 16(b), m.p. (benzene, petroleum [40-60]) 116C. (Found: C, 80.96; H, 4.70; C, H, O requires: C, 81.07; H, 4.54%).

. r 12 b. 2-Nitro-5-phenyl indane-1,3-dione Nitration of S-phenyl indane-1,3-dione with fuming nitric acid as described in Example 16 (0) gave 2-nitro- S-phenyl indane-1,3-dione, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 119C. (Found: C, 65.54; H, 3.39; N, 4.93; C, H NO VzH O requires: C, 65.21; H, 3.65; N, 5.07%).

EXAMPLE 20 a. 4-Isobutyloxy indane-1,3-dione b. 4-Isobutyloxy-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione 4-lsobutyloxy indane-1,3-dione (0.654 g; 0.003 mole) suspended in dry ether (5 ml)'was treated dropwise with fuming nitric acid (1.0 ml) at 10C and the clear dark red solution left to stir at room temperature for 1 hour. Evaporation in the presence of 5N hydrochloric acid gave the 2-nitro derivative as a yellow solid, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 77C. (Found: C, 58.92; H, 5.00; N, 5.48; C H NO, requires: C, 59.31; H, 4.98; N, 5.32%).

EXAMPLE 21 a. 4-n-Butyloxy indane-1 ,3 dione Claisen condensation of dimethyl 3-n-butyloxy phthalate (m.p. 48C) with ethyl acetate as described in Example 16 (b) afforded the title compound, m.p. (benzene, petroleum [40-60]) 66C. (Found: C, 71.41; H, 6.54; C H Q, requires: C, 71.54; H, 6.47%).

b. 4-n-Butyloxy-2-nitro indane-1,3-di0ne Nitration of 4-n-butyloxy indane-1,3-dione as described in Example 20(b) afforded the 2-nitro derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) C. (Found: C, 59.07; H, 5.13; N, 5.13; C H NO requires: C, 59.31;

EXAMPLE 22 a. 4-n-Propyloxy indane-1,3-dione Claisen condensation of dimethyl 3-n-propyloxy phthalate with ethyl acetate as described in Example 20 (a) afforded 4-n-propyloxy indane-1,3-dione, m.p. (benzene) 9495C.' (Found: C, 70.69; H, 6.05; C H O requires: C, 70.58; H, 5.92%).

b. 2-Nitro-4-n-Propyloxy indane-1,3-di0ne Nitration of 4-n-Propyloxy indane-1,3-dione as described in Example 16 (0) gave the 2-nitro derivative, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 114-115C. (Found: C, 57.57; H, 4.43; N, 5.48; C H NQ, requires: C, 57.83; H, 4.45; N, 5.62%).

EXAMPLE 23 a. 4-Phenyl indane-1,3-dione Dimethyl 3-phenyl phthalate (15.0 g; 0.055 mole) in lenged by i.v. injection of 0.3 ml of 1% ovalbumin mixed with 0.1 ml of a 5% solution of pontamine sky th l t t (20 l) was dd d to a 50% di i f 5 blue dye both in isotonic saline buffered with pH. 7.2 sodium hydride in i ral il (3,67 d th i t Sorenson buffer (PBS). The rats were killed after 20 refluxed for 4 hrs. on a steam bath. Separation of the minutes a d the diameter of of the blue wheals at the bright yellow solid followed by decarboxylation with a antibody injection sites were measured. The starting hot (80C) solution of hydrochloric acid (25 ml) in dilution of the serum was adjusted so that there was no water (250 m1) over 7 mi gave h i l product, response, after challenge, at the site of injection of the (b n 125 128C (F d; C 8094; H 4 69; highest dilution and a maxium response at the lowest C H O re uires; C, 81 -07; H, 4,54%), dilution. Typically, six twofold serial dilutions of the serum from A to 1/128 were used.

2'Nxtro'4'phenyl mdane'l 3411mm 1 5 Compounds were tested for their ability to reduce the Nitration of 4-phenyl indane-1,3-dione as described diameter of the wheels at the injection sites of dilutions i Exa l 16 ff d d th 2. mm d i ti of antibody which on all the controls have less than (water, hydrochloric id) 119C; (F d; C, 6704; maximum response. Amounts of the compounds were H, 3.37; N, 4.96; C H NO requires: C, 67.42; H, administered to rats each amount to a test group of six 3.39; N, 5.24%). 20 animals ata specified time prior to intravenous challenge with ovalbumin. The diameters of the blue wheals EXAMPLE 24 which developed on the tests group of animals were Biological Results compared with those on a control group of six animals All of the 2-nitro indane-1,3-dione prepared in the treated m Same way as the test group but which preceding Examples were submitted for biological test- 25 had not recewed the compound under test' ing. The test system was the Rat Passive Cutaneous %lnhibition OWL/L: 100 a/b) Anaphylaxis (PCA) test described below in (u).

i. Serum containing heat labile homocytotropic antia=The mean f the sum of the diameters f the body was raised in rats by a method similar to that used wheals produced in the test group of animals at those by Mota. (l. Mota Immunology 1964, 7,681 antibody sites where all the control group of animals Male Wistar rats of 250300 g, were injected intragave less than maximum response. b=The mean of peritoneally with 0.5 ml of Bordatella pertussis vaccine the sum of diameters of the wheals produced in the (containing 4 X 10 dead organism per ml) and subcucontrol group of animals at those antibody sites taneously with 0.5 ml of an emulsion of 100 mg. of where all the animals in the group gave less than maxiovalbumin in 2 ml of saline and 3 ml of incomplete 5 mum response.

Freunds adjuvant. Rats were bled by cardiac puncture The preferred method of administration was a soluon day 18, the blood was pooled and separated and tion of the test compound dissolved in pH 7.2 buffer serum stored at -20 and thawed only once before use. and neutralised with sodium bicarbonate. For those ii. The P.C.A. test was similar to that described by compounds having insoluble sodium salts, the salts Ovary and Bier (A. Ovary and O. E. Bier, Proc. Soc. 0 were isolated by reaction of the free nitro compound Exp. Biol. Med. 1952, 81, 584) and Goose and Blair (.1. with 2.5N sodium hydroxide and the filtered sodium Goose and A.M..l. N Blair, Immunolgy 1969, 16, 769). salt washed free of alkali with water. The dried salts 0.1 ml of each of six twofold serial dilutions of the were then administered as a suspension in 1% methyl serum in 0.9% saline were injected intradermally into ll l TABLE I TIME BETWEEN lNHlBlTlON DOSlNG AND OF TEST FORM IN WHICH DOSE CHALLENGE PCA RESPONSE COMPOUND ADMINISTERED (mg/kg) (MlNS) 5-bromo-2- Solution of Na 25 0 46 nitroindanel salt 25 87 3-dione 0 30 100 60 64 5-methyl-2- solution of Na 25 0 66 nitroindane-l,3- salt 25 30 44 dione 100 0 100 4-methyl- Suspension of 25 0 2 Z-nitroindane- Na salt in 1% 25 60 33 1,3-dione methyl 100 0 6 cellulose 100 60 57 4-methoxy-2' Suspension of 25 O 2 nitroindane-l, Na salt in 25 60 25 3-dione 1% methyl 100 0 l8 cellulose 100 60 36 Z-nitro- Suspension of 25 0 100 benzlf] indane Na salt in 25 60 37 -l,3-dione 1% methyl 100 0 100 cellulose I00 60 72 4-bromo-2- Suspension of 25 0 8 nitroindane Na salt in 1% 25 6O 24 TABLE l-continued TIME BETWEEN INHIBITION DOSING AND OF TEST FORM IN WHICH DOSE CHALLENGE PCA RESPONSE COMPOUND ADMINISTERED (mg/kg) (MINS) 1,3-dione methyl I 0 4 cellulose I00 60 70 4,5,6,7 Solution 0 -13 tetrachloroof Na 25 6O 9 2-nitroinsalt I00 0 3 dane-l,3- I00 60 7 dione 4-ethoxy-2- Solution of 25 O 13 nitroindane- Na salt 25 3O 68 l,3-dione I00 0 76 I00 55 4-fluoro 2- Solution of 25 O 48 nitroindane Na salt 25 30 8 l,3-dione I00 0 86 I00 30 30 Solution of 25 0 34 4-methoxy-7- methyl-Z- Na salt 25 3O 62 nitroindane I00 0 36 I ,3-dione I00 30 44 5,6dimethyl- Suspension of 25 0 92 2-nitroindane- Na salt in 25 60 48 1,3-dione l% methyl I00 0 73 cellulose I00 60 54 4-isopropyloxy- Suspension of 25 O 23 2-nitroindane Nasalt in 25 30 36 -I ,3-dione 1% methyl I00 0 49 cellulose I00 30 51 4,6-dimethyl- Solution of 25 0 58 2-nitroindane- Na salt 25 30 27 l,3-dione I00 0 69 I00 0 4,7-dimethyl- Suspension of 25 O 35 2-nitroindane- Na salt in 25 60 I6 -l,3-dione 1% methyl I00 0 46 cellulose I00 60 8 2-nitrobenz(e) Suspension of 25 0 l6 -indane-l,3- Na salt in 25 60 dione l% methyl I00 0 I3 cellulose I00 47 4-ethyl-2- Suspension of 25 0 5 nitroindane-l, Na salt in 25 60 23 3-dione 1% methyl I00 0 l cellulose I00 60 25 4-methoxy-6- Solution of 25 0 34 methyl-2- Na salt 25 3O 31 nitroindane-I 100 O 3. dione I00 30 24 6-ethyl-4- Solution 25 O 66 methoxy-2 of Na 25 30 37 nitroindane-l, Salt I00 0 91 3-dione I00 30 32 2-nitro 5-phenyl Suspension 25 0 58 indaneof Na salt 25 60 56 1,3-dione in 1% I00 0 82 methyl I00 60 36 cellulose 4-isobutyloxy- Solution 25 0 61 2-nitroindane of Na salt 25 30 28 -I,3-dione I00 0 78 I00 3O 41 4-n-butyloxy- Solution 25 O 29 2-nitroindane of Na salt 25 60 43 -I,3-dione I00 0 63 I00 60 50 2-nitro-4- Solution 25 0 l2 phenyl indane of Na 25 60 22 -l,3 indione Salt I00 0 8 I00 60 24 Example a. 4,5-Cyclohexano indane-1,3-dione.

The Claisen condensation of dimethyl tetraline 5,6- dicarboxylate (1 1.6 g; 0.0465 mole) with ethyl acetate (15 ml.) as described in example lb, afforded 4,5- cyclohexano indanel,3-dione as a yellow crystalline compound, m.p. (benzene) 9799C (Found: C, 77.80; H, 5.74; C H O requires: C, 77.98; H, 6.04).

b. 4,5-Cyclohexano-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

Example 27 a. 5-Methoxy-6-Methyl indane-1,3-dione.

A solution of dimethyl 4-methoxy-5 -methyl phthalate (14.21 g; 0.06 mole; m.p. 6668C) in ethyl acetate (20 ml.) was added to a 50% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (3.95 g; 0.082 mole of NaH) and the mixture refluxed for 4 hrs. The orange-brown sodium salt which separated was broken-up with 1:1 ethanol, ether, filtered and dried in vacuo. Addition of the dried solid to hot (80C) 5N hydrochloric acid (15 ml.) followed by stirring at 70C for 7 mins. gave the title dione as a yellow solid, m.p. (benzene) 2l52l6C. (Found: C, 69.11; H, 5.50; C H O requires: C, 69.46; H, 5.30).

b. 5-Methoxy6-methyl-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione.

Nitration of 5-methoxy-6-methyl indane-1,3-dione as outlined in example 1b gave the 2-nitro derivative as an initially yellow solid which turned orange on dehydration, m.p. 110C. (Found: C, 56.59; H, 3.83; H, 6.03: C H NO requires: C, 56.17; H, 3.86; N, 5.96%).

Biological Data for Compounds not included in Table 1 Example 26 a. 4.5-Cyclopentano indane-1,3-dione.

Condensation of dimethyl indane 4,5-dicarboxylate (12.42 g; 0.053 mole) with ethyl acetate as in example lb gave the dione as a yellow solid, m.p. (benzene, petroleum [-60]) 159162(d). (Found: C, 77.55; H, 5.65; C H O requires: C, 77.40; H, 5.41%).

b. 4,5-Cyclopentano-2-nitro indane-1,3-dione.

Fuming nitric acid (1.0 ml.) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of 4,5-cyclopentano indane-1,3- dione (0.95 g; 0.005 mole) in dry ether (8.0 ml.) at 5-10C and the mixture stirred at this temperature for mins. Further stirring at room temperature for 1 hr. followed by addition of water (20 ml.), evaporation of ether, and filtration gave a clear, yellow filtrate. Addition of an equal volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid to the latter yielded the 2-nitro derivative as a yellow crystalline solid, m.p. (water, hydrochloric acid) 128-130C. (Found: C, 59.96; H, 3.96; N, 5.89: C H NO J/2 H O requires: C, 60.80; H, 4.20; N, 5.83%).

We claim:

1. A pharmaceutical composition in a form suitable for oral, parenteral or insufflation administration to humans comprising an amount of a compound of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable nontoxic salt thereof, wherein R R R and R are each hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or halogen, provided that R R R and R are not simultaneously hydrogen, sufficient to be effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of asthma or hay-fever, or the treatment or rhinitis, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic inert diluent or carrier suitable for said administration form.

2. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (1) is in the form of the sodium salt.

3. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the groups R R R and R are each hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, nor iso-propyl, n-, secor tertbutyl, phenyl, benzyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, provided R R R and R are not simultaneously hydrogen.

4. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 5,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

5. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 which is in the form of a microfine powder .for insufflation.

6. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5 wherein the microfine powder is such that substantially all the particles have diameters of less than 50 microns.

7. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the diluent or carrier is a sterile liquid carrier suitable for injection.

8. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule or powder suitable for mixing with water to form a syrup.

9. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 2-nitrobenz indane-l,3- dione.

10. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 4,6-dimethyl-2- nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

11. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 5-methyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

12. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 4-fluoro-2-nitroindane-l,3-dione.

13. A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of asthma and hayfever and the treatment of rhinitis in humans which comprises administering orally, parenterally or by insufflation a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of the formula or a pharmaceutically-acceptable, nontoxic salt thereof, wherein R R R and R are each hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or halogen, provided that R R R and R are not simultaneously hydrogen, sufficient to be effective for the prophylaxis or treatment of asthma or hayfever or the treatment of rhinitis, in combination with a pharmaceutically-acceptable, nontoxic, inert diluent or carrier suitable for said administration form.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound of formula (I) is admipistered in the form of the sodium salt.

15. A method according to claim 13 wherein R,, R R and R are each hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, nor isopropyl, n-, secor tert-butyl, phenyl, benzyl, fluoro, chloro or iodo, provided R R R and R are not simultaneously hydrogen.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is in the form of a microfine powder and the administration is by insufflation.

17. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is in the form of a microfine powder such that substantially all the particles have diameters of less than 50 microns and the administration is by insufflation.

18. A method according to claim 13 wherein the administration is oral.

19. A method according to claim 13 wherein the administration is parenteral.

20. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 5 ,6-dimethyl-Z-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

21. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 2-nitrobenz indane-l,3-dione.

22. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 4,6-dimethyl-Z-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

23. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 5-methyl-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione.

24. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 4-fluoro-2-nitroindane-l ,3-dione. 

1. A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION IN A FORM SUITABLE FOR ORAL, PARENTERAL OR INSUFFLATION ADMINISTRATION TO HUMANS COMPRISING AN AMOUNT OF THE FORMULA;
 2. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (I) is in the form of the sodium salt.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the groups R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or iso-propyl, n-, sec- or tert-butyl, phenyl, benzyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, provided R1, R2, R3 and R4 are not simultaneously hydrogen.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 5,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 which is in the form of a microfine powder for insufflation.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5 wherein the microfine powder is such that substantially all the particles have diameters of less than 50 microns.
 7. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the diluent or carrier is a sterile liquid carrier suitable for injection.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule or powder suitable for mixing with water to form a syrup.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 2-nitrobenz indane-1,3-dione.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 4,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 5-methyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 4-fluoro-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 13. A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of asthma and hayfever and the treatment of rhinitis in humans which comprises administering orally, parenterally or by insufflation a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of the formula
 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound of formula (I) is administered in the form of the sodium salt.
 15. A method according to claim 13 wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, sec- or tert-butyl, phenyl, benzyl, fluoro, chloro or iodo, provided R1, R2, R3 and R4 are not simultaneously hydrogen.
 16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is in the form of a microfine powder and the administration is by insufflation.
 17. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is in the form of a microfine powder such that substantially all the particles have diameters of less than 50 microns and the administration is by insufflation.
 18. A method according to claim 13 wherein the administration is oral.
 19. A method according to claim 13 wherein the administration is parenteral.
 20. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 5,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 21. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 2-nitrobenz indane-1,3-dione.
 22. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 4,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 23. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 5-methyl-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione.
 24. A method according to claim 13 wherein the compound is 4-fluoro-2-nitroindane-1,3-dione. 